Clinical Characterisation and Biobanking

The Clinical Characterisation Protocol (CCP) is designed for any severe or potentially severe acute infection of public health interest. The protocol enables data and biological samples to be collected in a globally harmonised manner. This standardised protocol can be used for coordinated clinical investigation of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. The University of Liverpool is curating the United Kingdom’s biobank supported by awards from MRC and DHSC NIHR, working in collaboration with ISARIC4C.

Ongoing Projects

ISARIC-4C Study

Prof Calum Semple is leading an International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) - Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK (CCP-UK), a nationwide observational study that is intended to activate in the event of the appearance or outbreak of a disease of public health importance. Calum’s Medical Research Council-funded CCP-UK study, with additional support from the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at Liverpool, is collecting clinical data and biological samples to describe and characterise COVID-19 disease, inform management, and to act as a platform for clinical trials into new treatments. Samples from patients have been shared with co-applicants at Liverpool, Glasgow, Bristol and Public Health England (PHE).